In January 2001, when i went to the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore for seeking admissions in undergraduate study programs, i was not aware of a non engineering degree in "City and Regional Planning (CRP) " which the University was offering since early 1960s (if i am not mistaken the start time of the course). Reading the degree name as somewhat strange subject area in the list of highly known degrees like Electrical or Mechanical or Civil Engineering, i thought it as a 'new' study area in the prestigious and oldest engineering institution of the country. Somewhat similar was my experience when i talked to many new students as the year passed. The majority of first year students barely knew what this urban planning study is about and what is Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), before they actually joined the university or the classes. However, with the passage of time, CRP got huge recognition in the government and the employment opportunities went abundant in both private and public sector organization in the country from Karachi to Peshawar. Reflecting on the past 12 years, i am much proud that the profession has come a long way in its recognition as a required field of study in the rapidly urbanizing country where the problems of spatial planning and demand for live-able communities is growing steadily with time.

However, there is still a long way to go. While the profession has considerable recognition in the form of various Ordinances (like Punjab Local Government Ordinance, 2001), public awareness of the subject area is not up to the standards, it deserves. Similarly, i did not find many government officials and institutions to be much aware about the basic knowledge about Urban Planning domain. As a latest revelation, I am shocked to see the recent news advertisement of Higher Education Commission which required the Urban Planners to present proof of affiliation with Pakistan Engineering Council for their higher study scholarship program. Alas, who will tell Higher Education Commission that PEC has nothing to do with accreditition of CRP degree and PCATP is the right institute for this? Although HEC mentioned PEC affiliation requirement for Engineering Disciplines down below in Eligibility criteria, the requirement of PCATP is not mentioned in the write up at all. I know HEC would never issue a corrigendum for this oversight and will accept PCATP certificate as an eligibility criteria. More annoyingly HEC spokesperson may insist that "PCATP looks like PEC". Does it? i dont think so! I may be over-conscious with this little advertisement (in the daily Jang, dated Sunday, 3, March 2013, link given below); however to be recognized correctly that Urban Planners are affiliated with PCATP is a basic right of every planner. Why to lose a point which marks your existence and status in the national newspaper that can be read all over the world, as i am reading it from Hong Kong.

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Discussions on social, transportation and urban planning issues with a focus on Pakistan. Author

The writer is an urban planner, a teacher and a doctoral candidate the latest!I moderate comments, to block spam. I will reply to e-mails and tweets (and approve and reply to comments) as soon as possible.

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